About Us
What is the Human-Animal Bond?
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association:
“The human-animal bond is a mutually beneficial and dynamic relationship between people and other animals that is influenced by behaviors that are essential to the health and well-being of both. This includes, but is not limited to, emotional, psychological, and physical interactions of people, other animals, and the environment. The veterinarian’s role in the human-animal bond is to maximize the potentials of this relationship between people and other animals.”
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Laird Goodman, DVM, CVA President (2020 - 2022)
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Patrick Flynn, DVM President-Elect (2020 - 2022)
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Rod Jouppi, DVM Immediate Past President (2020 - 2022)
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Molly McAllister, DVM MPH Secretary (2020 - 2021)
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Kimberly Pope, DVM Director at Large (2020 - 2022)
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Kerry Plemmons
Treasurer (2020 - 2022)
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Caitlyn Rize Student Representative
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Beckie Mossor, BIS, RVT Executive Director
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ADVISORS
Alice Villalobos DVM, FNAP Advisor to the Board
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John Wright, DVM Advisor to the Board
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PAST PRESIDENTS
- DR. ROD JOUPPI (2018-2020)
- DR. TIMOTHY LEE (2016-2018)
- DR. GREGG TAKASHIMA (2014-16)
- DR. EMILIA WONG GORDON (2012-14)
- DR. ROBIN DOWNING (2010-12)
- DR. TAMI SHEARER (2009-10)
- DR. VICTORIA VOITH (2008-09)
- DR. MARTHA LITTLEFIELD (2007-08)
- DR. RICHARD P. TIMMINS (2006-07)
- DR. ALICE VILLALOBOS (2005-06)
- DR. LAUREN KEATING (2004-05)
- DR. H. MARIE SUTHERS-MCCABE (2003-04)
- DR. JOHN NEW (2002-03)
- DR. GUY HANCOCK (2001-02)
- DR. JOHN S. WRIGHT (2000-01)
- DR. CAROLINE B. SCHAFFER (1999-00)
- DR. PERRY R. CHUMLEY (1998-99)
- DR. THOMAS J. LANE (1997-98)
- DR. JAMES J. ELLIOTT (1996-97)
- DR. EARL O. STRIMPLE (1995-96)
- DR. KATHY L. MITCHENER (1994-95)
- DR. LYNN J. ANDERSON (1993-94) CHARTER PRESIDENT
BUSTAD COMPANION ANIMAL VETERINARIAN OF THE YEAR
The Leo Bustad Companion Animal Veterinarian of the Year Award recognizes the outstanding work of veterinarians in promoting the human-animal bond in practice through a special sensitivity to both clients and patients; in their communities through assuming a leadership role in programs that bring people and animals together; or in education or research on human-animal interactions. The award was named for the late Dr. Leo K. Bustad, former President of the Delta Society, Dean of the Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, and a pioneer in recognizing the importance of the human-animal bond.
RECIPIENTS:
- 2020 Robin Downing, DVM, MS, DAAPM, DACVSMR, CVPP, CCRP, IL
- 2019 Karen Vernau, DVM, CA
- 2018 Cynthia Otto, DVM, Ph. D., DACVECC, PA
- 2017 No award given
- 2016 Jody Sandler, DVM, NY
- 2015 Melissa Bain, DVM, CA
- 2014 Bess Pierce, DVM, VA
- 2013 Benjamin Hart, DVM, CA
- 2012 Thomas Cantanzaro, DVM, Australia
- 2011 Nancy Kay, DVM, CA
- 2010 Ken Gorczyca, DVM, CA
- 2009 Brian Forsgren, DVM, OH
- 2008 Jane Shaw, DVM, CO
- 2007 Samuel Costello, DVM, OH
- 2006 Richard Meadows, DVM, DABVP, MO
- 2005 Marie Suthers-McCabe, DVM, VA
- 2004 Kathy Mitchener, DVM, TN
- 2003 Brenda Griffin, DVM, MS, DACVIM, AL
- 2002 Dr. Marty Becker, ID
- 2001 Dr. Bonnie V. Beaver, TX
- 2000 Dr. Caroline B. Schaeffer, AL
- 1999 Dr. Alice Villalobos, CA
- 1998 Dr. Patricia N. Olson, CO
- 1997 Dr. Thomas J. Lane, FL
- 1996 Dr. Marvin L. Samuelson, KS
- 1995 Dr. Robert M. Miller, CA
- 1994 Dr. Sally O. Walshaw, MI
- 1993 Dr. Erwin Small, IL
- 1992 Dr. Lynn J. Anderson, KY
- 1991 Dr. William J. Kay, NY
- 1990 Dr. John C. New, Jr, TN
- 1989 Dr. James Harris, CA
- 1988 Dr. Earl 0. Strimple, CD
- 1987 Dr. Robert K. Anderson, MN
- 1986 Dr. William F. McCulloch, TX
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